The share of flexible workers in the energy and utilities sector has more than halved in a relatively short period. At its peak in 2023 and 2024, nearly 25% of highly educated professionals in this sector worked as independent professionals or contractors employed through staffing firms. That figure has now fallen to just 11%.

At first glance, this suggests a clear reduction in external hiring. However, the number of available assignments has actually increased slightly. The sector is therefore not simply relying less on external professionals. Instead, the main change lies in the balance between permanent and flexible employment.

From nearly a quarter to 11% flexible workers

The decline in the energy sector is much sharper than in the overall market. Nationwide, the share of flexible workers fell from 22% at the end of 2024 to 18% in the second quarter of 2026. Over roughly the same period, the energy sector saw its share drop from nearly 25% to 11%.

This puts the sector well below the market average. It is a remarkable shift for a sector that relied heavily on flexible talent just a few years ago. The energy transition brought numerous projects and strong demand for specialist expertise. The Talent Monitor highlights an important explanation for this shift. The total workforce in the energy and utilities sector has grown significantly, particularly in permanent employment. As a result, the relative share of flexible workers has decreased.

The number of assignments is increasing slightly

This becomes clearer when looking at the market for external assignments. While several other sectors are experiencing a sharp decline in available assignments, the energy sector is seeing a slight increase. According to the Talent Monitor, changes in the average duration of assignments may also influence the share of flexible workers. Longer or shorter assignments affect the number of professionals working in the sector at any given time. That is why it is important to look beyond the percentage of flexible workers alone. Growth in permanent employment, the number of available assignments and their duration together provide a more complete picture.

Energy sector attracts professionals towards salaried employment

Nearly a quarter of independent professionals in the energy and utilities sector are open to salaried employment. At 23%, this willingness is the highest among all sectors surveyed. Nationwide, the figure is around 13%. Interest in salaried employment is therefore significantly higher in the energy sector.

This aligns with the strong growth in permanent employment. Although the figures do not establish a direct link between these developments, they show a notable alignment between employer demand and professional preferences. Organizations are expanding their permanent workforces, and a relatively large proportion of independent professionals are open to this type of employment. This raises broader questions for employers in the energy sector. Which skills and expertise do you want to retain within your organization for the long term? And for which activities does engaging external professionals remain the best approach?

Professionals are also looking beyond the energy sector

Moving into salaried employment is not the only possible career path. Professionals in the energy sector are relatively open to opportunities in related industries. Those considering a move to another sector primarily look towards other private-sector industries. The chemical industry, ICT and consultancy are frequently mentioned as attractive alternatives.

This means that organizations in the energy sector are not simply competing with each other for specialist expertise. Professionals also have opportunities outside the sector. This broader labor market is particularly relevant for skills that are also in demand in technology, industry and consultancy. The shift towards a larger permanent workforce therefore does not guarantee that external expertise will remain readily available when organizations need it.

The lowest average hourly rate among the sectors surveyed

At just over €97, the energy and utilities sector has the lowest average hourly rate of the five sectors surveyed. However, there are significant differences within this average. Research and development managers, for example, earn an average of €110.49 per hour. Software developers average €109.24, while network specialists earn €108.17. Information and communications technology managers stand out with a considerably lower average hourly rate of €70.18.

The sector average therefore reveals little about the cost of specific expertise. The professional category and type of specialist knowledge remain major factors in determining hourly rates.

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